Waiting to die

Munna Kuvar, 105, lies on a bed receiving comfort from her relatives as she waits to die in Varanasi, widely considered Hinduism's holiest city.

Hindus believe that dying here and having their ashes scattered in the Ganges allows their soul to escape a cycle of death and rebirth, attaining "moksha" or salvation. For this reason, many journey to the city to spend their final days there.

18 Jun 2014. VARANASI, INDIA. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Reuters photographer Danish Siddiqui documented “Mukti Bhavan” or “Salvation House,” a charity-run hostel for people who wish to die in Varanasi.

It has 12 rooms, a temple and small quarters for its priests. Guests can normally stay up to two weeks after which, if they haven’t yet passed away, they are gently asked to leave.

16 Jun 2014. VARANASI, INDIA. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Bhairav Nath Shukla, (left), is the hostel manager.

The 61-year-old has been taking in the dying and performing prayers for their salvation for over four decades. More than 14,500 people have checked in to date.

19 Jun 2014. VARANASI, INDIA. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Eighty-two-year-old Kishore Pandey travelled with his three daughters from a small village in eastern India to die at Mukti Bhavan.

Traditionally in Hinduism sons perform the last rites for their parents but Pandey’s daughters were there for him instead.

The eldest, Usha Tiwari, explained: "We had no brother but we didn't want our father to feel that he has no son."

16 Jun 2014. VARANASI, INDIA. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Ninety-seven-year-old Bhogla Devi also came to the hostel accompanied by her 30-year-old grandson Divyesh Tiwari.

“My grandmother is the most precious thing I ever had. I would like her to attain salvation in my arms," said Tiwari.

21 Jun 2014. VARANASI, INDIA. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Champa Devi, 88 years old, also came to Mukti Bhavan to die and passed away at the hostel on June 21.

In the image above her daughter lies next to her minutes after her death.

19 Jun 2014. VARANASI, INDIA. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

After dying at Varanasi, many are cremated at this holy site next to the River Ganges.

Families can have their pictures taken with the deceased; many want to preserve memories of their loved ones being cremated at this sacred place.